A cross-layer architecture for service continuity and multipath transmission in heterogeneous wireless networks

Mobile devices equipped with two or more interfaces can roam across heterogeneous networks. This feature enables the devices to maintain service continuity by performing vertical handovers and to increase transmission capability by exploiting multiple physical transmission paths. However, this type of service continuity is not yet commonly provided. Previous approaches toward the provision of service continuity are limited either in their functionalities or in the scope of cross-layer information. In this paper, we analyze how cross-layer architecture provides service continuity from a broader perspective and propose Cooperative Layered Architecture (CoLA) implemented on Android system for service continuity during handover process. CoLA helps comprehensive information gathering from all layers for handover decisions, provides simple interfaces to make applications mobility-sensitive, and achieves efficient multipath transmissions across heterogeneous wireless links. Experimental results show that CoLA achieves its design goal in providing service continuity.